Yellow-breasted tailorbird

The yellow-breasted tailorbird (Orthotomus samarensis) is a species of passerine bird formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage, but now placed in the family Cisticolidae. This species is endemic to Philippines on the islands of Bohol, Samar and Leyte. It is known for its bright color relative to other tailorbirds with a yellow body and a striking black head with a white spot under its chin. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Yellow-breasted tailorbird
Male
Conservation status
Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Cisticolidae
Genus:	Orthotomus
Species:	O. samarensis
Binomial name
Orthotomus samarensis Steere, 1890

Description and taxonomy

Ebird described it as "A small, long-billed, long-tailed bird of dense undergrowth in lowland forest on Bohol, Leyte, and Samar islands. Olive-green on the back and wings, with an orange-brown tail often held cocked, yellow underparts, a thin yellow line around the back of the neck, and a black cap. Female has a white throat with some streaking around the edge, while the male has a black bib and a small white chin. Similar in size and shape to Rufous-fronted Tailorbird, but has yellow underparts and a black head. Voice includes monotonous piping notes given in series."

Its considered a sister species to the Black-headed tailorbird and the White-eared tailorbird, as their calls are almost identical. Some authorities considered these three as a single species but each is well differentiated morphologicall and molecular studies have supported their distinctiveness.

Ecology and behavior

A specimen from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center

It is often seein in pairs in the dense undergrowth where it feeds on small invertebrates. Not much is known about their breeding habits but is believed to occur primarily in the months of July to August, which is the breeding season for a large majority of Philippine forest birds.

Habitat and conservation status

Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest, tropical mangrove forest, and tropical moist shrubland with most records under 1,000 meters above sea level. It is often found foraging in the understorey and lower parts of the canopy.

IUCN has assessed this bird as Near-threatened with the population believed to be declining. This is the only Philippine tailorbird that is assessed below least-concern species. Extensive lowland deforestation on all islands in its range is the main threat. Most remaining lowland forest that is not afforded protection leaving it vulnerable to both legal and Illegal logging, conversion into farmlands through Slash-and-burn and mining. There is only 4% forest remaining in Bohol and around 400km² of primary forest combined in Samar and Leyte with no respite in deforestation.

This occurs in a few protected areas such as Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape and Samar Island Natural Park however protection is lax.

Conservation actions proposed include to survey remaining habitat to better understand ecology and population size. Propose sites supporting key populations for protection and ensure that proposed protected areas receive actual protection from threats.